Chris Sutton has claimed that he is “a little disappointed” that Stuart Armstrong has still not signed a new contract at Celtic.
The Scottish Sun has previously reported that the Hoops have warned Armstrong that they “won’t be held to ransom” over contract talks as they look to tie him down to a new deal in order to fend off interest from the Premier League.
It is reported that Southampton and Brighton are both keen on the key Celtic midfielder, who is said to be valued at £10million.
Sutton, 44, has also warned Armstrong that the grass may not always be greener if he decides to leave Parkhead.
“I must admit I’m a little disappointed he hasn’t resolved his contract issue yet and it’s still rumbling on as Celtic kick off their European campaign,” said Sutton in his column on the Daily Record website.
“The player has to look after himself, I completely understand. But he also has to be careful.
“There’s no doubt there is an awful lot of money to be made in England and it must be very tempting.
“At the same time, I’d like to see him pen a new deal and show a bit of loyalty to the manager who has got him in to this position.”
Armstrong, 25, was one of the key factors in helping Brendan Rodgers’ side win the Scottish treble without a single defeat last season.
The former Dundee United playmaker made 47 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops, scoring 17 goals and supplying seven assists.
His great form in the green and white saw him earn his first senior international cap for Scotland in a 1-0 win victory over Slovenia during March.
Celtic have a good number of players in midfield that offer competition to Armstrong for a spot in the first-team.
Scott Brown, Tom Rogic and Eboue Kouassi were already at Parkhead, but the recent arrival of Olivier Ntcham could provide a threat to Armstrong, according to Sutton.
“Armstrong shouldn’t be putting a gun to Celtic’s head and with Ntcham’s arrival it maybe shows they won’t be held to ransom,” he added.
“The Frenchman’s come with a big price tag. He’s the most expensive signing for Celtic since Scott Brown.”